The day when the commander held his place merely by virtue of personal prowess lay far back in the centuries, and no one knew it better than Washington.

But the old fighting spirit awoke within him when the clash of arms sounded in his ears, and though we may know the general in the tent and in the council, we can only know the man when he breaks out from all rules and customs, and shows the rage of battle, and the indomitable eagerness for the fray, which lie at the bottom of the tenacity and courage that carried the war for independence to a triumphant close.
The rout and panic over, Washington quickly turned to deal with the pressing danger.

With coolness and quickness he issued his orders, and succeeded in getting his army off, Putnam's division escaping most narrowly.

He then took post at King's Bridge, and began to strengthen and fortify his lines.

While thus engaged, the enemy advanced, and on the 16th Washington suddenly took the offensive and attacked the British light troops.